Community Medical Center Long Beach (Calif.), which closed July 3 after its operator determined it wasn't financially feasible to renovate the hospital to meet California's earthquake standards, secured a new operator who will try to reopen the facility Jan. 1, according to The Signal Tribune.
The hospital is transitioning from Fountain Valley, Calif.-based MemorialCare's hands to its new medical operator — Molina, Wu, Network — which set the Jan. 1 reopening goal.
The decision to reopen the facility in January was announced at the Community Hospital Task Force Meeting July 30.
"I know that flu season is really going to impact us, and we're going to need those beds. We're going to need that ER," Community Medical's incoming CEO Virg Narbutas said during the meeting. "So, with a goal of Jan. 1 – maybe we can get it sooner. I’m pushing as hard as I can."
Nearly 300 employees, who were laid off when the hospital closed, signed up to return to Community Medical Center when it reopens.
Long Beach officials are reviewing the costs of reopening the facility, transferring the license of the hospital to Molina, Wu, Network and ensuring a long-term renovation to meet the state’s earthquake compliance requirements.